This
information has been taken directly from the Nutrition Advisory Group website.

Scientific Advisory Group to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association

Founded in 1994, the NAG began with nine members and currently has over 60 members and affiliates from the zoo community, academia, and industry.

The science of nutrition is an integral component to the management of zoo animals and must be addressed in a scientific and professional manner. The formation of the NAG gave the discipline, and/or practice of nutrition appropriate recognition. The NAG facilitates improved communication and coordination among nutritionists and those requiring nutrition information (i.e., AZA management groups, AZA member institutions). This year the NAG appointed an international liaison to help the group recognize and work with our foreign counterparts. The NAG has welcomed members from around the globe since the origination of the group. The purpose of the liaison is to bring attention to the concerns of foreign animal care institutions housing or working with SSP species and TAGs and to ensure consideration of these concerns by the NAG when guidelines and protocols are developed. The NAG helps provide leverage for accomplishing projects, research and or dealing with zoo nutrition and industry problems.

Primary Goals:

Disciplinary function (the science of comparative nutrition) – understanding the biology/nutrition of the animals

Facilitates improved communication and coordination among nutritionists and those requiring nutrition information (i.e., AZA management groups, AZA member institutions)
Develop guidelines and protocols for general use
Help provide leverage for accomplishing projects, research and or dealing with zoo nutrition and industry problems
Practical function (the practice of zoo nutrition) – diet formulation and feeding animals

Development of rational feeding programs for captive animals that will be based on sound scientific principles
Helping advance rational zoo nutrition practices
Provide service in the fields of nutrition and dietary husbandry to AZA member institutions
Help the group recognize and work with our foreign counterparts (through an international liaison)
Develop guidelines and protocols for general use
Providing service to the AZA
Help provide leverage for accomplishing projects, research and or dealing with zoo nutrition and industry problems